AC NEWS
COVID-19 Updates
View COVID Report
Spring Courses
The delivery method has changed for some classes.
While we will be offering some in-person classes for Spring 2021, most lecture courses will be either entirely online or in a tech-supported remote learning format.
"Entirely online" means you will have designated due dates for assignments but you will not be required to log in at specific times each week. "Tech-supported" means you will have a live lecture with your instructor and other classmates using a technology-based system—at specific times each week.
Exceptions include: most labs, along with performing arts, healthcare, and technical education courses—which will all continue to be held on our campuses in-person.
Log in to AC Connect and check the "My Classes" section for a personalized breakdown listing the delivery method of each of your courses.
Regardless of your course delivery method, all campuses will remain open and student services and facilities will continue to be available. Face-masks are required on campus.
Consult with your advisor to determine the availability of options for a particular class. Students who have already been cleared for registration ("greenlit") by their advisor can also make changes to their schedule online using the Student Planning Module.
COVID Info for Employees
Learn more below about Amarillo College's current policies regarding safe practices on campus, hiring/training, and health & wellness resources—as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spring Service Offerings
- Amarillo College will remain OPEN.
- Many different types of classes will be offered, including: tech-supported, fully-online, hybrid, traditional in-person/in-class, and simulcast.
- We ask that you wash hands frequently & follow guidelines set by the CDC.
- Increased disinfection and sanitization across campus.
- Face-masks are required on campus.
- Many services will continue to be offered virtually.
- On-campus services are listed below.
Resources:
Remote services & resources available online or by phone in Fall I & II:
While on-campus services are limited at this time, AC staff is ready to answer any questions you may have about the admission application and the enrollment process.
Call AskAC at (806) 371-5000 or speak with an enrollment expert via video chat.
Click the link below to enter a video chat room with a member of our team. If we are assisting another student, you may be placed in a waiting room until we are available to serve you. No appointment necessary!
Monday-Thursday • 8am-3pm
Friday • 8am-noon
To ask any question (regarding admission, enrollment process, technical issues, etc.) or to submit a payment, students can contact AskAC by calling (806) 371-5000, by email, or by chatting online*.
AskAC is available by phone and online:
Monday-Thursday • 8am-6pm
Friday • 8am-noon
•Note that wait times tend to be longer when contacting via online chat than by phone.
The AC Bookstore offers online ordering of textbooks (including a textbook list generator), apparel, electronics, games, supplies, and graduation items.
The Bookstore is currently offering free shipping and 10% off all summer textbook orders with the code: READYFORFALL.
Regarding exchanges and refunds, please call (806) 371-5304.
Call (806) 371-5900 to schedule an appointment or go to www.actx.edu/counseling/counseling-during-covid-19 for more info.
Live chat with a librarian on the Library website or on the Library Blackboard tab. Additionally, databases are fully online as well as millions of e-books on vast range of subjects. We also offer LibGuides—guides that have been created for certain classes and for citation help.
Live chat available:
Monday-Thursday • 8:00am-2:00am
Friday • 8:00am-midnight
Saturday • 8:00am-midnight
Sunday • 8:00am-2:00am
*Bonus: Check out this LibGuide for our students & staff who have children and are now homeschooling.
Students may come in-person to the Smart Start center to pick up HESI Packets, use the laptops to be connected to instructors remotely for tutoring and TSI Review, and participate in the MAP session prior to the TSI.
The Smart Start Center now offers the following services (online) via remote-access. On-demand services available in-person in the Center online. Appointments required for remote services and any in-person services after 5pm:
Ware Student Commons • 3rd Floor
(806) 345-5542
- Ramp Up (content preview) sessions to help students prepare before classes start are available by appointment and on-demand.
- Monday-Thursday • 8:30am-8:30pm
- Friday • 8:30am-12:00pm
- TSI Quick Review available by appointment.
- Monday-Thursday • 8:30am-8:30pm
- Friday • 8:30am-12:00pm
- MAPs (Mandatory Pre-Assessment Sessions) pre-TSI info sessions available by appointment only.
- Monday-Thursday • 10:00am / 12:00pm / 2:00pm / 5:30pm
- HESI workshops to review the math, reading comprehension, and vocabulary skills covered in the HESI assessment.
- View available sessions here.
Contact the Smart Start office to schedule an appointment. Call (806) 345-5542, Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-8:30pm, Friday 8:30-12:00pm Friday
The Testing Center is currently scheduling future appointments for current & prospective students taking the TSI exam –and– taking tests assigned by their instructors.
Call (806) 371-5445 or send them an email for more information.
Virtual Testing Appointments:
Monday • 8am-7pm
Tuesday-Friday • 8am-5pm
Specifics about our wealth of Social Services, community agencies, and information about greatly discounted and even free internet opportunities, has been compiled here.
For more info on Social Services (particularly housing needs), Food Pantry, Mobile Food Truck, etc., send the ARC an email or call (806) 371-5446 or (806) 371-5439.
The Financial Aid office will remain open to provide financial aid support for students. Students can access forms and financial information at www.actx.edu/fin.
Contact them remotely by email or by calling (806) 371-5313. You can also fax documents to (806) 371-5371.
The Library can TEACH Blackboard Collaborate sessions for faculty and/or create video tutorials through VidGrid that have questions embedded in the video. The Library can also create a "LibGuide" website for a class or even for a specific assignment. The Library also offers online citation guides for both MLA and APA. Additionally, databases are fully online as well as millions of e-books on vast range of subjects. All these resources are available through the Library website and the Library Blackboard Tab.
Live chat with a librarian on the Library website or through the Library Blackboard tab.
Live chat available:
Monday-Thursday • 8:00am-2:00am
Friday • 8:00am-midnight
Saturday • 8:00am-midnight
Sunday • 8:00am-2:00am
*Bonus: Check out this LibGuide for our staff & students who have children and are now homeschooling.
In-person services & resources available on campus in Fall I & II:
NOTE: Please do not come on campus if you:
- Have fever or flu like symptoms
- Believe you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the last 14 days
MASKS will be required for anyone accessing campus facilities. Masks can be provided to those who do not have access to one.
Advising appointments available either virtually or in-person. No appointment necessary! If you would like to meet with your advisor virtually, simply call (806) 371-5440 to be added to the virtual queue. If you would like to see your advisor in-person, check in at Dutton Hall on campus any time during the hours listed below.
Additionally, if you are pre-planned and cleared for registration, you can enroll in courses online using the Student Planning Module. The first fall term begins August 24, and registration has been extended through August 26.
Student Services Center • 1st Floor
CHECK IN AT DUTTON HALL for in-person services
(806) 371-5440
Hours through August 21: no appointments necessary
Monday–Thursday • 8am-6pm
Friday • 8am-5pm
Hours from August 24-28: no appointments necessary
Monday • 8am-6pm
Tuesday–Friday • 8am-5pm
Hours beginning August 31
Monday • 8am-6pm - by appointment
Tuesday–Thursday • by appointment
Friday • 8am-5pm - no appointments necessary
To ask any question (regarding admission, enrollment process, technical issues, etc.) or to submit a payment, students can visit the AskAC counter (on the Washington Street Campus) in-person or contact them by calling (806) 371-5000, by email, or by chatting online*.
Monday-Thursday • 8am-6pm
Friday • 8am-5pm
•Note that wait times tend to be longer when contacting via online chat than by phone.
If you have questions about the admission application or the enrollment process, you can also speak with an enrollment expert via video chat.
Click the link above to enter a video chat room with a member of our team. If we are assisting another student, you may be placed in a waiting room until we are available to serve you. No appointment necessary!
Monday-Thursday • 8am-3pm
Friday • 8am-noon
For anyone lacking adequate technology, The Underground will be open and observing normal hours of operation in the basement of the Ware Student Commons. We will follow elevated safety protocols to protect you while on campus.
Ware Student Commons • Basement
(806) 371-5992 • ctlstudenthelp@actx.edu
Hours through August 23
Monday–Friday • 8am-5pm
Hours beginning August 24
Monday–Thursday • 7am-8:30pm
Friday • 7am-4pm
Saturday • closed
Sunday • 2pm-6pm
The library, including technology lab and classrooms, is open to students, though they must adhere to social distancing standards. Available technology includes: computers, scanners, printers, copier, and software on the lab computers. Books are available for check out. Librarians are available for technology and research help with as much distancing as possible. Appointments not necessary, but can be made upon request.
Lynn Library • Ware Student Commons • 4th Floor
(806) 371-5400
Hours through August 21:
Monday–Friday • 7:30am-5pm
Hours beginning August 24:
Monday–Thursday • 7:30am-6:30pm
Friday • 7:30am-4:30pm
Virtual instant-chat is available here or through the Library tab in Blackboard.
Sunday–Thursday • 7:30am-2am
Friday & Saturday • 7:30am-midnight
The Financial Aid office will remain open to provide financial aid support for students. Virtual services are preferred (email or phone), but in-person services are available.
Contact them remotely by email or by calling (806) 371-5313. You can also fax documents to (806) 371-5371. Students can access forms and financial information at www.actx.edu/fin.
Student Services Center, 2nd Floor
Monday-Friday • 8am-5pm
Limited in-person tutoring services are available, but virtual services are preferred and offer extended hours. If you require an in-person appointment, please contact the Academic Success Center that applies to you at www.actx.edu/successcenters/scheduling. You can also get general tutoring info by calling (806) 371-5458 or by emailing jgeorge@actx.edu.
Hours through August 21:
Ware Academic Success Center
In-person support hours:
Monday–Friday • 8am-5pm
East Campus Academic Success Center • SSC 153
In-person support hours:
Monday–Thursday
8am-5pm
West Campus Academic Success Center • Bldg B • Lab 112
In-person support hours:
Monday–Thursday
8am-5pm
Hours for other Academic Success Centers can be found here.
Hours beginning August 24:
Monday–Saturday • 8am-8pm
Specifics about our wealth of Social Services, community agencies, and information about greatly discounted and even free internet opportunities, has been compiled here.
Food Pantry –
Students are able to access the Food Pantry through our new online ordering system. Orders can be placed here online 24/7. In-person visits will NOT be available during the Fall 2020 semester.
Students can pick up their prepared food bags on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Russell Hall. If you are unable to pick up your bag during these times, please call the ARC to make other arrangements.
Russell Hall • Room 129 (door accessible from outside or Russell Hall)
Pick-up times:
Tuesday • 11am-2pm
Thursday • 11am-2pm
High Plains Food Bank Mobile Food Truck –
HPFB will continue to distribute food on Tuesday mornings, however food will now be pre-bagged and ready for speedy drive-through pick-up by students.
STEM Research Center (Greenhouse) parking lot
Tuesdays • 11:30am • First come, first served
To contact the Hereford Campus ARC, call (806) 379-2700. To contact the Moore County Campus ARC, call (806) 934-7220.
Free and confidential mental health counseling available by appointment only. If you do not have access at home to a computer or cell phone with video conferencing capabilities, private on-campus technology can be used to meet with a personal counselor.
Call (806) 371-5900 to schedule an appointment or go to www.actx.edu/counseling/counseling-during-covid-19 for more info.
Ware Student Commons • The Underground (basement)
Monday-Friday • 8am-5pm
Testing Services is currently open for testing on a limited basis and by appointment only. All testing candidates will be required to wear a mask for the duration of their time in the Testing Center, with no exceptions. Each station is sanitized after every test. Remote testing options are still available for TSI exams.
Hours through August 21:
Monday–Thursday • 8am–7pm
Friday • 8am–5pm
Hours beginning August 24:
Monday • 8am–7pm
Tuesday-Friday • 8am–5pm
In-person services available, as well as virtual services via video conference, phone, or email.
Ware • 3rd Floor
(806) 371-5147
Monday-Friday • 8am-5pm
In-person services available, as well as virtual services via video conference, phone, or email.
Ware • 3rd Floor
(806) 345-5639
Monday-Friday • 8am-5pm
The AC Bookstore is open for in-person services for textbooks, apparel, electronics, games, supplies, and graduation items.
Additionally, we are currently offering free shipping and 10% off all fall textbook orders (using the textbook list generator) when ordered online with the code READYFORFALL.
Regarding exchanges and refunds, please call (806) 371-5304.
Hours through August 28:
Monday–Friday • 8am-6:30pm
Hours beginning August 31:
Monday–Thursday • 8am-5:30pm
Friday • 8am-5pm
Other campuses
AC police will remain on campus(es) 24 hours per day, but in-person contact will be limited. Please contact ACPD by phone:
Non-Emergency: (806) 371-5163
Emergency: (806) 371-5911
The mailroom will remain open for mail pickup on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. However, outgoing mail can be dropped off in the outgoing mail slot at any time. Mail will be transported to the post office on a daily basis.
College Union Building • 1st Floor
Tuesday / Thursday • 1pm-5pm
For assistance related to teaching and learning or managing your tech-assisted classroom environment, send CTL an email or visit www.actx.edu/ctl for resources. They will also offer limited in-person services if necessary.
Ware Student Commons • Rm 205
Monday-Friday • 8am-5pm
Registration for Spring I
Action Plan Timeline
April 9, 2021 — Town Hall Live Stream
View the live April 9 update/Q&A to faculty & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart.
March 12, 2021 — Town Hall Live Stream
View the live March 12 update/Q&A to students, faculty, & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding updates to AC's mask policy and more.
February 26, 2021 — Live Stream / AC Legacies
View the live February 26 update/Q&A to faculty & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart regarding bond construction project updates followed by the AC Legacies years of service ceremony.
November 13 — Live Stream
View the live November 15 update/Q&A to students, faculty, & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding urgent COVID updates and enrollment updates, and a guest presentation/Q&A from Dr. Paul Proffer, AC Regent, regarding the proposal to resume athletics at AC which is being considered by the Board of Regents.
October 15 — Live Stream
View the live October 15 update/Q&A to students, faculty, & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding the shift to tech-supported lecture courses, new COVID reporting improvements, and a guest presentation on the city of Amarillo's Proposition A.
October 2 — AC Announces Shift to Tech-Supported Delivery for Most Lecture Courses
Beginning at the start of the second fall term (October 26), most in-class lecture courses will transition to a tech-supported remote learning format. Exceptions include: most labs, along with performing arts, healthcare, and technical education courses—which will all continue to be held on our campuses. Regardless of course delivery method, all campuses will remain open and student services and facilities will continue to be available. View AC president Russell Lowery-Hart's Oct. 2 Town Hall on this topic. Read more here.
September 5 — AC President Releases Address Regarding Successful Entry Into Fall I
View the September 5 update to faculty & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart at the close of the second week of the fall semester. At the time of this message, there has been only one report of a COVID-positive student who had been on campus.
August 17 — AC President Releases Address Regarding Fall I
View the August 17 update to students from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding the return to in-person classes for the first fall term. In this address, Dr. Lowery-Hart addresses the availability of additional online course offerings, the plan to hold the initial meeting of each fall I class remotely, potential triggers for transitioning to remote learning, discount for online textbook ordering, extension of registration deadline, and safety protocol for the return to on-campus learning.
August 13 — Additional Class Sections Opened
In response to students' desire for additional online course sections to be made available, many new online core education classes were opened.
July 6 — Employees Begin Returning to Campus / Summer II Begins
Beginning Monday, July 6, most Amarillo College employees will begin returning to work on-campus as we move into a 'controlled on-campus experience'. The Summer II term (which also begins July 6) will continue to offer primarily tech-supported learning with a few face-to-face experiences in select courses. Virtual services will continue to be offered for students with limited on-campus options for student support services. Face-masks will be required on campus. To view the Return to Campus Guidance for employees, supervisors, and faculty, go to www.actx.edu/hr/covid19.
June 23 — Board of Regents Passes Face-Mask Policy
On June 23, The Amarillo College Board of Regents unanimously approved a mandatory face-mask policy.
June 1 — Supervisor Rounding Meetings on Return-to-Campus Protocols
AC's Human Resources department begun a series of meetings with departmental supervisors to assess needs and discuss health & safety policies & procedures in preparation for the eventual return of employees to work on campus.
May 29 — Live Streamed Town Hall
View the live May 29 update/Q&A to faculty & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding campus sustainability in response to COVID-19, return to work plans, and more.
May 25 — Summer Hours
Despite many other changes from the norm, AC will begin observing summer hours as usual. Beginning Monday, May 25, most employees will work Monday-Thursday from 7:30am-5pm, Friday from 7:30pm-noon. The Ware Student Commons and most on-campus services available to students will be available Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-5pm, Friday from 8:30am-noon.
May 22 — Remote Delivery of Courses Continues
Due to continuing uncertainties associated with the pandemic and AC's safety-first approach, virtual delivery of tech-supported classes will continue into the summer—excluding some labs in technical and healthcare programs on the East and West campuses which will be hosted in-person. Increasing the number of on-campus classes in the second summer term will be considered if conditions permit.
May 15 — Live Streamed Town Hall
View the live May 15 update/Q&A to students, faculty, & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding plans to begin the process of returning to campus, virtual graduation ceremony, and more.
May 1 — Live Streamed Town Hall
View the live May 1 update/Q&A to students, faculty, & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding state & local guidelines, graduation, summer/fall registration, professional development opportunities, and more.
April 29 — Continuing Education Suspension
Due to uncertainties related to COVID-19, all in-person Kids' College camps & classes and Community Enrichment classes will be suspended until further notice. This suspension will last at least through the summer.
April 17 — Live Stream
View the live April 17 update/Q&A to students, faculty, & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding graduation, summer/fall registration, public health projections, technology resources, mental health, and more.
April 15 — Announcement Regarding Employee Access to Campus
Beginning April 17, faculty and staff who are working from home will be allowed momentary access to offices and campus facilities on Fridays from 9am to noon, contingent on supervisor approval and prior notification of ACPD.
April 6 — Communicated Current Plans for Summer Courses
With registration now open for summer and fall classes, please be aware that at this time, learning and working remotely continues to be necessary. Therefore, classes will continue to be delivered remotely in a tech-support learning environment for the first Summer term (May 26 - July 2).
Additionally, please note that registration is not currently available for most lab-based Health Sciences and Industry classes due to the hands-on nature of the required course work. On May 1, we will reassess opening registration for these courses—based on state & federal guidance regarding the safety of resuming in-person classes.
March 31 — Entered Phase III
Beginning March 31, Amarillo College officially entered Phase III of our COVID-19 Action Plan. In compliance with the city of Amarillo's Red Level shelter-in-place order, we further constricted in-person services with the enaction of Phase III. The College, which is considered essential by the city, intends to remain open throughout this crisis—but with the bare minimum of on-campus staff members reporting physically to work. While this does not change students' remote learning plan and students are unlikely to notice a drastic change in in-person services offered, this transition is critical in elevating the health and safety of AC students & employees.
March 30 — Live Stream
View the live March 30 update/Q&A to faculty & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding Phase III.
March 20 — Address to Students
View the live March 20 update to students from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding Phase II.
March 18 — Entered Phase II
This decision was based on President Trump’s request that gatherings be limited to no more than 10 people, and because AC’s minimum class size is 12. To conduct in-person classes became untenable. Additionally, cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Amarillo. Therefore, in keeping with our Phase II guidelines, Amarillo College paused classes for one week in order to make a successful migration to a remote delivery system—which moved the first class day of the 2nd 8-weeks of the spring semester to March 30. The spring semester will now end on May 22.
Tech-supported learning entails a wide range of online and network technologies for learning and working remotely and ensuring your success through any necessary alternate means of communication. Instructions will vary depending on the classes being taken. Faculty will provide students with specific instructions on how to proceed.
March 13 — Live Stream
View the live March 13 update/Q&A to faculty & staff from AC president, Russell Lowery-Hart — regarding Phase II.
March 12 — Communicated 3-Phase Action Plan & Existing Phase I Status
Phase I included continued emphasis on personal hygiene and increased institution-wide sanitization of communal areas. As this time, we also began aggressively preparing for the eventuality that tech-supported learning would become necessary. Additionally, all College travel outside our service area was canceled through the remainder of the spring semester.
The 3 phases are:
Phase I: Preparing for and preventing the spread of the COVID-19
Phase II: Reacting when the virus is officially diagnosed in our community
Phase III: Reacting if an AC student, faculty or staff member is diagnosed
Throughout each of these phases it is our steadfast intention that Amarillo College will remain in operation and that we will cling to our values!
We will continue to be informed by local, state, and national governmental and public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control.
Media Inquiries & Communications
All communications related to this situation should be coordinated through the Amarillo College Communications & Marketing Department.
Please contact: Joe Wyatt or Sadie Newsome.